So I got an interview

B

BLahey

Well-known member
I got an interview on wed for a production specialist at an ad agency. Anyone got any thoughts on what will be covered in the interview? Suggestions?
 
I've worked in agencies for almost fifteen years, and I'm not sure what a production "specialist" is. How big is the agency and what do you know about what your duties will be? Give me more info and I'll see if I can help.

--SM
 
if you don't have any ad experience i recommend reading something like "Juicing The Orange" by the guys at Fallon. Or some Roy H. Williams (even though it gets a little preachy, he has a lot of insight and experience). My brother and I work at an ad agency writing and directing TV spots. We used to be just Film Nerds but now we're also Students Of Advertising.
 
I used to work at an ad agency in Seattle and "production" usually meant the people responsible for preparing graphics/ads for pre-press or the print shop (i.e., making sure images were CMYK, the right dpi, and that all the fonts/colors matched the companies brand). The creative department creates the ads and the "production" department finishes the ads.

But if the ad agency does video productions then it probably means something different.

:)

Good luck!!!
 
Most agencies these days employ "Digital Media Production Specialists". They will build print materials in InDesign or QuarkXpress which need graphics produced in Illustrator and Photoshop. Photos will need color correction and certainly if your color separating graphics traps need to be set. There will be a lot of Web production. Senior designer may produce a concept in Photoshop and production will hand code the html using CSS for look and placement control. Javascript is added as required for things like form validation. Embedded flash certainly for animation, video as well perhaps using cuepoints to drive related events. Flash is often these days connected to a backend database like mySQL via AMFPHP using a php based service. The production specialist will code as necessary in ActionScript 1, 2 and now with the release of CS2 ActionScript 3 as well. Depending on how large or small the agency straight backend coding may be done either by a programmer or the specialist.

Bigger agencies are starting to include "desktop" video production for the web just as they took on desktop pre-press in the eighties. This is creating "Video Production Specialists". Of course everyone on this board should know a thing or two there.
 
Yes the skills requred were pretty straight and forward IMO..., PShop, chyrons, taping events and post work.., I was more concerned with those stumper questions like..:"why would you like to work here?" or "What can you contribute to this organization. To be honest I have been comfortably working with people I know for the last 7 years and have not had a textbook interview in a long time. (IN 2007 I wore a tie twice!) to be honest, the fear of the unkown is what is getting me.

I'll Post an update tommorrow evening on what went down, assuming the worst it may help someone else out along the way...
B shiny,
'b
 
I'd actually mention that about being comfortable with people you know for so long and not wearing ties. Don't apologize about it, but spinning it a little while being honest can help you.

One thing I tend to do at interviews is interview the person interviewing you! I ask some questions and let them talk about it. And in the end I usually ask them if they like working there (if the interview went well) and even ask for the job. Well, not ask for it, but say that if it's offered, you'd like to have it.

As to those tricky questions:

Q. Why would you like to work here?
A. You seem happy here.

Q. What can you contribute to this organization.
A. I promise to buy Krispy Kreme donuts every other Friday.

:happy:
 
snowleopard - That is some great advice. :)


Since he already told you what you should say. Here's my Top 10 Things You Shouldn't Say in a Job Interview:

#10) Don't bother checking my references.... they're dead.

#9) How strict are the sexual harassment rules around here?

#8) I hope there won't be a drug test.

#7) Jack-ass is probably the person who has influenced me the most.

#6) Do you ever just feel like killing everyone?

#5) Hey, remember that scene in Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle....

#4) Is that your wife? ...Dude, I'd tap that!

#3) You think you're better than me? Do ya?!?!

#2) I once met Chris Hansen.

and the #1 thing never to say in a job interview.

#1) Penis
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top